Best Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe | Quick & Delicious

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 14, 2025

Some dishes effortlessly blend comfort and elegance, making them suitable for both a casual weeknight dinner and a special occasion. Creamy Chicken Florentine is one such dish—a savory, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal that brings together juicy pan-seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luxurious Parmesan-infused cream sauce.

This dish, inspired by classic Italian flavors, is not just flavorful and rich but also surprisingly easy to make in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort.

What is Chicken Florentine?

The term “Florentine” refers to dishes that incorporate spinach, a tribute to Florence, Italy. In French and Italian cuisine, any dish labeled “à la Florentine” traditionally includes spinach and a creamy or cheese-based sauce.

Chicken Florentine takes these classic flavors and elevates them by adding pan-seared chicken, a velvety cream sauce, and a touch of white wine, resulting in a dish that is indulgent yet balanced.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

All-Purpose Flour – 2 tablespoons
Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon, divided
Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon, divided
Chicken Cutlets – 4 (1 to 1½ pounds total)
Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons, divided

For the Florentine Sauce:

Shallots, Chopped – 2 medium
Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced – 8 ounces (about 3 cups)
Garlic, Minced – 3 cloves
Dry White Wine – ¼ cup
Heavy Cream – ½ cup
Parmesan Cheese, Grated – 1 ounce (about ½ cup)
Fresh Baby Spinach – 12 ounces

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken cutlets with half the salt and pepper.
- Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté shallots and mushrooms for 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Deglaze & Make the Sauce:
- Pour in white wine, scraping the skillet to release browned bits.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until thickened.
Add the Spinach & Combine:
- Add spinach, stirring until wilted.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 480mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Convenience with Big Flavor

With minimal cleanup and a streamlined cooking process, this dish is perfect for home cooks who want a gourmet-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Creamy, Rich, Yet Balanced

The savory garlic-Parmesan cream sauce perfectly coats the chicken and spinach, creating a dish that is rich without feeling heavy.

3. A Perfectly Juicy Chicken Every Time

Pan-searing the chicken before simmering it in the sauce ensures that it remains tender and flavorful.

4. Easily Adaptable to Different Diets

With a few modifications, this dish can be made lighter, gluten-free, or even dairy-free.

5. Pairs Well with a Variety of Sides

From pasta and rice to roasted vegetables and crusty bread, Chicken Florentine is versatile and pairs well with many different sides.

Secrets to Making the Best Chicken Florentine

1. Perfectly Searing the Chicken

Achieving a golden-brown crust on the chicken is key to locking in flavor and moisture.

Use high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Season generously with salt and pepper before dredging lightly in flour for an extra crispy sear.
Let the chicken rest after searing—this keeps it juicy and allows the flavors to develop.

2. Layering Flavors for Depth

A truly great Florentine sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. To achieve this:

Sauté the shallots and mushrooms until caramelized for added depth.
Deglaze the pan with dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits—this adds complexity.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the umami taste.

3. Using Fresh Baby Spinach for the Best Texture

Baby spinach wilts quickly and retains its vibrant color, making it the best choice for this dish. If using regular spinach, chop it finely to prevent long, stringy pieces.

4. Balancing the Sauce for a Silky Finish

Heavy cream creates the smoothest, richest sauce, but half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream can be used for a lighter version.
A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Creative Variations of Chicken Florentine

1. Lightened-Up Chicken Florentine

Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Swap Parmesan for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a lower-fat alternative.

2. Spicy Tuscan Chicken Florentine

Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Include sun-dried tomatoes for a bold, slightly tangy flavor.

3. Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb Florentine

Omit the flour dredge and use Almond Flour or Coconut Flour for a keto-friendly coating.
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

4. Dairy-Free Chicken Florentine

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

5. Mushroom Lovers’ Florentine

Add a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for an extra earthy flavor.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Florentine

1. Classic Pairings

Pasta (Tagliatelle, Fettuccine, or Penne) – Toss the pasta in the sauce for a restaurant-style meal.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A hearty, comforting side that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh contrast.

2. Low-Carb and Healthy Sides

Cauliflower Mash – A great alternative to mashed potatoes.
Zucchini Noodles – Keeps the dish light while adding texture.
Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – Adds brightness to balance the richness of the sauce.

3. Bread and Grains

Garlic Bread or Focaccia – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Quinoa or Brown Rice – A healthy whole-grain option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Chicken Florentine Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain the sauce’s texture.

2. What’s the Best Wine to Use for This Recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay enhances the flavors. If you don’t have wine, use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice.

3. Can I Substitute the Spinach?

Yes! Kale or Swiss chard work well, though they take slightly longer to cook.

4. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

5. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free flour for dredging or omit the flour altogether.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Chicken Florentine Tonight

Creamy Chicken Florentine is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. The rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach create a dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Whether served with pasta, vegetables, or grains, this meal satisfies cravings while feeling sophisticated.

With its one-pan simplicity, customizable variations, and restaurant-worthy flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

So, grab your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and treat yourself to a creamy, flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to impress!